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Getting ready to replace 23 year old electric hot water heater in 3-4 bedroom house before it dies ( I had one spring a leak years ago in another house and don't want to go through that again) I haven't had to look at them since the late '90s
I know whatever plumber I have do the job will have his own preferred brand but looking for any experience y'all have. I am in Central Maryland and do not have access to Natural Gas. There is plenty of space in the basement where it is located so the increased size of newer ones shouldn't be a problem (But will check before the job begins)
I've always had good luck with AO Smith, and they're widely available (helps in the event that you need to get parts, etc down the road). Almost all of mine have been gas though.
Given the inherently inefficient nature of electric for tanked water heaters, have you considered a tankless replacement?
I've always had good luck with AO Smith, and they're widely available (helps in the event that you need to get parts, etc down the road). Almost all of mine have been gas though.
Given the inherently inefficient nature of electric for tanked water heaters, have you considered a tankless replacement?
I've never heard anything good about tankless electric WH. Known a couple people who got them years ago and hated them (especially in the winter when incoming water was about 15 degrees colder) I've also been told they are even more inefficient than conventional electric.
Rheem, AO Smith, and Bradford White are regarded as the best brands. Differences in performance between examples of the three are probably going to be small and vary among personal experiences. I’d be satisfied with any of those three.
The efficiency of tankless depends on how much you use it. It uses quite a bit of power while running, but then sits there not heating water when there is no demand. There should be a net savings for most people. I don’t think I’d want one in a cold climate or if I didn’t have gas.
I've never heard anything good about tankless electric WH. Known a couple people who got them years ago and hated them (especially in the winter when incoming water was about 15 degrees colder) I've also been told they are even more inefficient than conventional electric.
True. The only ones I’ve ever installed were gas, and I’m not in a cold climate. Hell, sometimes I think a water COOLER for my shower would be a good thing.
When it comes to an electric w/h- they're all the same in function. The difference will be in the warranty and features. And an electric has one feature- heat water!
What brand of WH do you have now?
Odds are it's a good choice for the new one too.
I have a Ruud right now
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